The objective of this program is to support small businesses subject to closure or highly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown restrictions announced by the Queensland Government, to adapt and sustain their operations, and build resilience.

The program aims to see small and micro businesses:

prepare for the safe resumption of trading in the post COVID-19 recovery

access digital technologies to rebuild business operations and transition to a new way of doing business

respond to online opportunities, where possible, to sustain employment and maintain potential for longer-term growth

upskill and reskill business owners and staff to benefit from new technologies or business models

embrace business diversification to adapt and sustain operations

create or retain employment.

Available funding

The available grant amount is up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible small or micro business.

In recognition of the significant impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, the funding can be used towards the following:

financial, legal or other professional advice to support business sustainability and diversification

strategic planning, financial counselling or business coaching aligned to business development and diversification

building the business through marketing and communications activities, for example, content development (web pages, mobile apps, visual and audio media etc.)

digital/technological strategy development

digital training or re-training to adapt to new business models

capital costs associated with meeting COVID-19 SAFE requirements

specialised digital equipment or business specific software to move business operations online (e.g. logistics program for online ordering)

meeting business costs, including utilities, rent.

Note: Grant funds can also be used towards any of the above activities occurring from 23 March 2020 onwards, keeping in mind the project must be completed within a maximum of 6 months from the date of approval.

Once the program budget has been fully allocated, applications for the program will close. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 small businesses will be supported through this program.

Applying small and micro businesses must meet the eligibility and assessment criteria to be considered for funding.